Welsh warrior Andy Powell says Sale bosses Steve Diamond and Tony Hanks are the ideal men to get the best out of Danny Cipriani should the flamboyant fly-half opt to join the Sharks.

As revealed exclusively in Saturday’s M.E.N. Sport, negotiations are still ongoing between Sharks’ chief executive Steve Diamond and Cipriani’s representatives about recruit ing the 24-year-old next season.

Like Cipriani, prior to his move to Edgeley Park after being released by Wasps, Powell had made as many headlines for his off-field antics as much as for his rugby. But having opted to move north, Powell has proved a revelation for Sale, earning a place in Wales’ squad for last Autumn’s World Cup as well as being part of their current Six Nations squad.

And should Cipriani swap Melbourne – where he is playing for Super 15 side the Rebels – for Manchester, Powell believes Diamond and head coach Hanks – who knows Cipriani well from their time together at Wasps – can make the mercurial playmaker tick.

“I think it would be good if Danny was to join us. If he comes here with his head on, he’s a very talented player,” said Powell. “He’s had a few clubs like myself but you have to respect Steve and Tony and what they are trying to achieve here, which is something quite special.

“If you come to the club, you have to keep your head on and really apply yourself to what Steve and Tony are to trying to instil.

“I have relished coming here. I’ve got respect for all the coaches and I think they have got respect for me.

“The club is going in the right direction but it doesn’t happen overnight. With so many people coming together last summer, it wasn’t going to happen in months, it’s going to take a year, but we are building in the right direction. Look at Richie Gray, who we have already signed for next season. For a young man, the size of him it’s incredible and what he will bring here is something quite special.” Manchester Rugby club have gone 81 games with no victory